With research administration experience at both the central and departmental levels in various higher education and healthcare settings, Michele Padilla serves as Associate Director for Pre Award of UNLV's PreAward Team. Along with providing preaward services to her assigned units, Michele also delivers Office of Sponsored Programs Cayuse training and support to UNLV's researchers and their support teams.

Michele earned both her bachelor of science in human development and family studies with an emphasis in children, youth, and families and master's degree in Counselor Education from Penn State in 1998 and 1999 respectively. Her Certified Research Administrator (CRA) designation was obtained in 2018.